Talks to avert next week’s Southern strike

Talks aimed at ending a dispute between Southern train drivers and management have ended for the day without a deal in place.

Train drivers union ASLEF has told its members not to work any overtime and held three days of strikes in mid-December, leading to the complete shutdown of the Southern network, with a week-long walkout planned to start next Monday (January 9).

The dispute is over rail operator Govia Thameslink Railway’s proposals to introduce driver-only operation on Southern services, meaning that drivers would be responsible for opening and closing train doors rather than conductors.

Both ASLEF and the RMT union, whose members are due to be made on-board supervisors, have objected to the changes on safety grounds.

In a bid to avert next week’s strikes both GTR and ASLEF met at talks hosted by mediation service ACAS.

A spokesman for ACAS said: “Talks took place at Acas today between ASLEF and Southern. No agreement was reached. The parties have indicated that they remain available for further talks.”

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